alimentation

1. The act or process of giving or receiving nourishment.
2. Support; sustenance.

noun

The means needed to support life: alimony, bread, bread and butter, keep, livelihood, living, maintenance, subsistence, support, sustenance, upkeep. See money.

1. The act or process of giving or receiving nourishment.
2. Support; sustenance.

Giving or receiving of nourishment.

• intravenous a. — the administration by intravenous injection of a solution containing sufficient nutrients in appropriate concentration to maintain life.
• oral a. — feeding by mouth.
• total parenteral a. — see hyperalimentation.

The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: a source of materials to nourish the body
  Synonyms: nutriment, nourishment, nutrition, sustenance, aliment, victuals

Meaning #2: the act of supplying food and nourishment
  Synonym: feeding